Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later along with the initial episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, the genre seems mostly exhausted at this point. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for some time. But, the platform's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to defy what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Excellent Rhythm and Character Growth
Among this movie's greatest assets lies in the excellent pacing. It begins using a striking initial scene in which a calm family party is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like individual stumbles out proceeding assaulting the attendees. This intense moment is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the tragedy struck.
In contrast to numerous undead movies, The Elixir truly allows viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main personalities prior to the carnage begins. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. This has predictably led to a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on Nes. This household patriarch is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and who appears to care about just two aspects: his business and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I found myself so invested with this family's dynamics and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a significant portion of its runtime to showing viewers who each relative is, plus the ways they add to the general dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting personalities allowed me to connect with the characters enough to be concerned for their fate—a rare feat for this style which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off soon after. The Elixir doesn't treat its characters as flat, expendable casualties for a horde of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a story that masquerades like a Korean drama featuring somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden shift toward "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered too heavily on comedy as Parasite, yet The Elixir still gives sufficient opportunity to settle into the setting prior to everything gets upended.
Original Zombification Source
The film also offers a fairly intriguing explanation regarding the origin of the contagious transformation. Instead of an accidental laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition stems from a new sample of Wani Waras natural medicines created by her dad. Although some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the film had spent additional time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to producing a deadly elixir which seems to include an extremely infectious pathogen. Despite the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves utterly repulsive, which I love it. The Elixir's undead are fast, bizarre in appearance, and, perhaps worst of all, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also quite realistic, and they're practically certain to provoke one's trypophobia.
Resourceful Personalities
More impressive than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Of course, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in any good zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are resourceful and sharp. Additionally, they don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, stab it with a pitchfork, or hit it over the head with whatever blunt instrument they find instead of freezing like a deer caught in lights while danger nears.
Realistic Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals start turning into zombies, this proved a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains clinging to bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. When the family becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he is unaware the way to the location, Nes expresses a massive amount of frustration on her brother which has obviously been building over time. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie doesn't try to push the notion that a near-death experience instantly cures family tensions. This makes those instances when these characters express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.
Predictable Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up any deep message about family or society, either. Instead, it's primarily serving up frights. Yet these are effective scares, and because the film gives each character enough room to grow and doesn't punish them for having flaws, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining
